Launched on 11 November 1942, HMS Begum was a Ruler-class escort carrier of the British Royal Navy during World War Two. Acquired from the US Navy under the lend-lease agreement, Begum was commissioned on 22 July 1943. Her maiden voyage to the UK occurred in December 1943, after which she spent until late February 1944 undergoing defect repairs and modifications to Royal Navy standards.
From June to December 1945, HMS Begum operated in a anti-submarine and trade protection role, based out of Colombo. Returning to the UK in January 1945, Begum underwent a refit for conversion to a ferry carrier. In this role, she returned to the far east, arriving in April 1945.
HMS Begum was returned to the US Navy and was converted for merchant use.
Starboard side view of HMS Begum (D38) off Greenock, Scotland, 6 February 1944HMS BegumHMS BegumHMS Begum serving with the Eastern Fleet in 1944. Avengers and Wildcats of 832 Squadron are on deckHMS Begum serving with the Eastern Fleet in 1944. Avengers and Wildcats of 832 Squadron are on deckOne of 832 squadron’s Wildcat fighters bounces on landing and probably suffered damage to its propellerCaptain J. E. Broome, DSC, RN, commanding officer of HMS Begum at Greenock Scotland on 23 February 1944SS Raki, ex-HMS Begum, of the Nederland Line circa 1964.The Netherlands Steamship Co. S.S. Raki
Aircraft Operations
Grumman Avenger
Avenger JZ231 (‘4Q’) of 832 squadron flown by Sub Lt JE Randall hits no.1 barrier landing on HMS Begum Jun 1 1944Avenger JZ231 (‘4Q’) of 832 squadron flown by Sub Lt JE Randall hits no.1 barrier landing on HMS Begum Jun 1 1944Avenger (‘4P’) of 832 squadron suffered a broken tail wheel after a heavy landing. HMS BegumAvenger (‘4D’) of 832 squadron takes off from HMS BegumGrumman Avenger aboard HMS BegumHMS Begum serving with the Eastern Fleet in 1944. Avengers and Wildcats of 832 Squadron are on deckHMS Begum serving with the Eastern Fleet in 1944. Avengers and Wildcats of 832 Squadron are on deck
Grumman Wildcat
Grumman Wildcat of 832NAS landing on HMS BegumOne of 832 squadron’s Wildcat fighters bounces on landing and probably suffered damage to its propellerHMS Begum serving with the Eastern Fleet in 1944. Avengers and Wildcats of 832 Squadron are on deckHMS Begum serving with the Eastern Fleet in 1944. Avengers and Wildcats of 832 Squadron are on deck
